The Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2013

That The Winery of Good Hope believes in Chenin Blanc as a variety is demonstrated by the fact that they currently offer four different versions, these being Radford Dale Renaissance, Land of Hope Reserve, Vinum and The Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine.

The latter is now available from retail chain Woolworths and at R54.95 a bottle offers great quality relative to price.

From old vines mainly in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch, fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks, a portion with natural yeast and the rest inoculated. Nine months of lees contact and sulphur additions kept to a minimum.

The wine shows lime and white peach plus a little leesy complexity. Really good fruit definition before a saline finish. Classic South African Chenin– a quaffer for those who give a damn.

Looking beyond the ‘prestige’ Stellenbosch farms and there is much bush vine vineyards to be found and specifically in Christian’s Helderberg definition. Saw plenty driving around the area on Friday even within sight of The Winery.